̳

Structure of plants – WJECMineral deficiency

Plants adapt in order to efficiently collect raw materials required for photosynthesis. These raw materials must be transported through the plant and various factors can affect the rate of movement.

Part of Biology (Single Science)Cells, organ systems and ecosystems

Mineral deficiency

Mineral deficiency is the situation where a plant cannot get enough of a particular mineral from the soil for healthy growth.

Diagram of 2 tomato plants. The tomato plant on the left is healthy, the one on the right is growing in conditions where mineral ions are deficient.
The tomato plant on the left is healthy, the one on the right is growing in conditions where mineral ions are deficient

Different minerals are needed for different reasons, so each one causes different symptoms of mineral deficiency. The table summarises some of these symptoms.

A table with 2 columns and 3 rows. Nitrate deficiency symptom is poor growth. Phospate deficiency symptom is poor root growth. Potassium deficiency symptom is poor growth of fruit and flowers.
Next page
Absorbing minerals
Previous page
Plant nutrients

More guides on this topic

Related links